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Interview: Yoko Ono determined to do all that she can before 70th A-bomb anniversary

by Hidetoshi Arioka, Staff Writer

Yoko Ono, 81, a world-renowned artist and peace activist, visited the head office of the Chugoku Shimbun on July 30. In an interview with Yoshinori Okatani, the president of the Chugoku Shimbun, Ms. Ono said she will continue spreading the message of “No more Hiroshimas” to the world as the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing approaches in 2015.

Conveying her appreciation for Hiroshima’s efforts to abolish nuclear weapons, Ms. Ono stressed the importance of maintaining these efforts. When she referred to her own activities in the run-up to the 70th anniversary of the bombing, she said, “I will do whatever I can in all areas of my life. I will work to get the message of ‘No more Hiroshima’ across to the world.”

Expressing empathy for A-bomb survivors who have continued working for the cause of peace, she said, “I know they have endured many hardships since experiencing that terrible day. But they kept going and have taken it upon themselves to keep up their efforts to spread their message.”

This interview is part of a project tentatively titled “Peace Act Hiroshima,” which will be launched on August 6 by the Chugoku Shimbun in preparation for the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing. A website for this project will be launched, where notable public figures from home and abroad, including Ms. Ono, will give their views on peace, and prayers and messages from around the world will be displayed.

(Originally published on July 31, 2014)

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